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      Paul Pogba tipped for shock transfer to reunite with Man Utd team-mate and ex-Premier League boss after drug ban appeal

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      PAUL POGBA is wanted by Marseille ahead of his post-drug ban comeback, according to reports.French news outlets are claiming that the Ligue 1 club are in advanced talks over the signing.Paul Pogba has been linked with a shock move to MarseilleCredit: ReutersThe transfer would see him play with ex-Man Utd team-mate Mason GreenwoodCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi is the Marseille gafferCredit: AFPPogba, who remains on the books of Juventus, is likely to have his contract mutually terminated so he can become a free agent.He is then seemingly set to join Marseille in January, with his ban preventing him from playing until March.The club are managed by ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and his former Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood is in the squad.Neal Maupay and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are also on loan there from Everton and Tottenham respectively.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPogba was initially banned from football for four years after testing positive for banned substance DHEA in August 2023.The 31-year-old Frenchman has always pleaded his innocence and appealed the decision.Two weeks ago, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months.They cut his suspension because Pogba was able to prove he took the substance linked to testosterone growth by accident.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSResponding to the reduced ban, Pogba said: “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice Evra”This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.”Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

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      How England lined up last time they played Greece including mix of Golden Generation and forgotten men

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      IT has been 18 years since England last faced Greece in a football match.When the two sides last met, ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ by Shakira was top of the UK music charts, ‘Snakes on a Plane’ was just about to be released in cinemas and the iPhone hadn’t even been invented yet.England last faced Greece in 2006Credit: ReutersIt was Steve McClaren’s first match in chargeCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe England squad, unsurprisingly, also looked completely different.’Golden Generation’ stars Gary Neville, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand were among the players named in the starting line-up on August 16, 2006.It was Steve McClaren’s first match in charge of the Three Lions and he got off to a flying start with a dominant 4-0 win.Terry, Lampard and Peter Crouch all got on the scoresheet for England on the night.Read More in FootballIt was a huge relief for McClaren, who raised eyebrows with his decision to drop national icon David Beckham just days prior.Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson started between the sticks for England before being replaced by Chris Kirkland at half-time.The back four was made up of Neville, captain Terry, Ferdinand and Ashley Cole.Lampard, Stuart Downing, Owen Hargreaves and Steven Gerrard lined up in midfield.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHow England lined up against Greece in August 2006John Terry had just been handed the captain’s armbandCredit: PA:Press AssociationPeter Crouch got on the scoresheet at the match at Old TraffordCredit: AFPSteven Gerrard lined up in midfieldCredit: GettyAnd former Liverpool striker Crouch partnered Jermain Defoe in attack.Kieran Richardson, Aaron Lennon, Jamie Carragher, Darren Bent and Wayne Bridge were among the used substitutes in the friendly, while the likes of Ben Foster, Phil Neville, Michael Dawson and Jermaine Jenas remained on the bench.Gus Poyet reveals England weaknesses Greece can expose to cause massive upset Flash forward back to now, England interim boss Lee Carsley has a strong squad to pick from.Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Declan Rice are all expected to feature against Greece this week.England will be looking to go top of Group B2 in the Nations League by the end of the international break. More

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      Serie A manager linked to replacing Ten Hag at Man Utd quizzed by cops over violence and indimidation accusations

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      INTER MILAN manager Simone Inzaghi has been called in to talk to police amid allegations of “violence, intimidation and other criminal activities” involving the club’s ultras.Case documents about the investigation name officials and players over alleged “pressure” they came under, as well as links with the ultras.Simone Inzaghi has been quizzed by police amid allegations involving Inter Milan ultrasCredit: GettyAC Milan ultras are also being investigated.According to Ansa, a number of other high-profile names could be interviewed regarding the allegations.They include Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti, former defender Milan Skriniar, and AC Milan captain Davide Calabria.Inzaghi has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe probe has led to 19 arrests, while investigators have also begun a “prevention procedure” against the two Milan clubs.Inter and AC are not currently under investigation but are having to prove they have no connection to the ultras – in particular when it comes to ticket sales.Failure to do so could see them placed in “judicial administration”.It is being reported the court papers “granted illicit concessions” such as “providing tickets to people who belong to criminal organisations who then resold them at a huge price markup”.Most read in FootballInvestigators are claiming a relationship between Inter and the We Are Milano ultra group.It is alleged members of the group have been allowed into the San Siro without tickets for years after “strong acts of intimidation” towards stewards.Wayne Rooney doesn’t hesitate in naming England’s best player as Man Utd legend snubs Jude Bellingham There is also an accusation that ultra leaders, such as the arrested Marco Ferdico, met with Skriniar and had “contact” with Inzaghi.The allegation includes the claim Ferdico urged Inzaghi to speak to the club or president Giuseppe Marotta to secure 200 tickets for last year’s Champions League final.Investigators alleged Inzaghi promised he would discuss the matter with club chiefs.Inter stand accused of granting members of the Curva Nord fan group “favours”, but the report insists they were “forced to do so”.Milan preliminary investigations judge Domenico Santoro also insists the “situation has not changed as of today” despite the court documents largely pertaining to 2019 and 2020.Serie A champions Inter sit second in the table after seven games, two points behind Napoli.They earned a goalless draw at Manchester City in their Champions League opener, before beating Red Star Belgrade 4-0 in their second game. More

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      Everything you need to know about Score Predictor – from points to prizes

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      SCORE PREDICTOR is a free-to-play game brought to you by Dream Team that is as easy to understand as it is compelling.Each Matchweek you will be asked to predict the scores of five selected Premier League games.You will then earn points based on the accuracy of your forecast with a weekly prize of £250 going to the user who registers the highest score – it’s as simple as that!PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THE NEXT MATCHWEEK – YOU COULD WIN £250!Play Score Predictor now ahead of the next MatchweekCredit: Dream TeamYour entry for each Matchweek will not be valid until you submit predictions for all five fixtures prior to the first kick-off.However, you will be able edit each of your predictions before the matches in question get underway.For example, if you’ve already earned 16 points from three Saturday games and news breaks that the team you’ve backed to win 3-0 on Sunday afternoon have two key players out with injury, you have the option to amend your prediction before kick-off.If you’re truly stuck for inspiration then you can select one of the three Quick Picks for each fixture, giving you a choice of the most-popular predictions.You can also click on the ’24/25 Form Guide’ button for a quick look at some key statistics for each team.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWIn regards to scoring, maximum points are awarded for correctly predicting an exact score (e.g Manchester City 2 – 2 Arsenal) but points can also be gained by predicting the general outcome (home win, away win or draw), the number of goals scored by each team, and/or the difference between the two team’s scores (e.g home team wins by two goals).SCORE PREDICTOR POINTS BREAKDOWNCorrect Outcome (home win, draw, away win) +4 ptsCorrect Score Bonus +3 ptsCorrect Home Goals +1 ptCorrect Away Goals +1 ptCorrect Score Difference +1 ptThis means an entirely correct score prediction will bank the maximum of TEN points.Since there are five fixtures each Matchweek, the highest possible score is 50 points – something only one user user achieved throughout the whole 2023/24 season.Remember, you don’t have to get a perfect score to claim the cash prize, you just have to earn more points than anyone else – we promise to give away £250 every Matchweek!Turn your football knowledge into cash with Dream TeamCredit: Dream TeamThere are also major cash prizes for the three players who finish top of the overall season leaderboard, which runs from August 2024 to May 2025.SEASON LEADERBOARD PRIZES1st Place: £3,5002nd Place: £1,0003rd Place: £500As with our beloved fantasy game, you can also compete in Score Predictor Mini Leagues against family, friends and colleagues – battle it out for bragging rights!For more information on Score Predictor check out the game rules here.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR NOW AHEAD OF THE NEXT MATCHWEEK – YOU COULD WIN £250!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      My brother’s a Love Island star and musician, I’m making my way in the EFL and scoring unstoppable headers

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      SOME families just have talent in their DNA and the Nelson family are certainly one of them.Derby County defender Curtis Nelson has become an EFL star over the years, while brother Wes has been starring on TV screens and releasing UK Top 10 hits.Brothers Wes and Curtis Nelson are both succeeding in wildly different fieldsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @EFLCurtis Nelson has made his name as a professional footballer and is currently playing for Derby CountyCredit: GettyWes Nelson made a name for himself on Love IslandCredit: ITVNow he’s a top music artistCredit: GettyCurtis, 31, has made over 500 EFL appearances across five different clubs and helped Derby earn promotion to the Championship last season – earning the Rams’ Player of the Season award in the process.While brother Wes rose to fame on reality show Love Island in 2018 – a springboard for a successful music career that has seen him collaborate with huge artists such as Clean Bandit and Craig David.Despite the bright lights of the stage being a world away from Pride Park, Wes claims that brother Curtis has always been his inspiration to achieve big things.Speaking to the EFL, Wes said: “When people say ‘who’s your biggest idol in your career’, they act a bit shocked when it’s my brother in football.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdding: “Behind the scenes, I’ve personally never met anyone that is more dedicated to their craft.”When it comes to drinking, you [Curtis] are not drinking, you’re not going out and doing this. You’re putting in the hours and you’re always running.”I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone hit a ball against a garage ball so many times when I was younger.”The practice really does seem to make perfect for Curtis who has been playing some of his best football since joining Derby in 2023.Most read in FootballNelson was named Derby County Player of the Season last term and has already got this campaign off to a flying startCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd for the former Blackpool and Cardiff man, it’s the pair’s parents that have been his biggest inspiration.He said: “Mum and dad did a lot for us didn’t they, especially growing up.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!”Even now they take you [Wes] around and come and see you at shows and in the studio.”They’ve done so much for us and for me, my idol would have been our parents.” More used to scoring bullet headers – as he did for the Rams against QPR on Saturday – than being an internet sensation, Curtis has had to step out of his comfort zone to support his brother.The former England youth international was actually the brains behind Wes’ social media during the 26-year-old’s stint on Love Island.Perhaps success really does run in the Nelson blood with the pair not the only familiar faces in the family.The pair are the cousins of Ashleigh and Alexander Nelson, a brother and sister sprinting duo who represented Team GB at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnbelievably, Wes and Curtis aren’t the only Love Island and professional football brothers around in the English game at the moment.Manchester United and England star Kobbie Mainoo is the brother of fellow Love Islander Jordan Hames. Curtis and Wes aren’t the only Love Island and footballer duoCredit: X formerly Twitter / @EFLKobbie Mainoo and Love Island star Jordan Hames are also brothersCredit: InstagramWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Mo Salah, Martin Odegaard and more Premier League stars spend time away with hobby most football fans don’t enjoy

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      PEP GUARDIOLA and Enzo Maresca surprisingly have chess to thank for their tactical brilliance.The bosses of Manchester City and Chelsea have both methodically drilled their players on how to keep possession using clever movement and a detailed understanding of the game. Magnus Carlsen is a football-loving chess legendCredit: EPAEnzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola have studied chess to help their tacticsCredit: GettyMo Salah says he is ‘addicted’ to chessCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard is also an avid chess playerCredit: APInterestingly, their setups have been inspired by chess and one man in particular – Magnus Carlsen.The 33-year-old is a five-time world champion and is widely regarded as one of the best grandmasters ever.But away from the board, Carlsen is huge football fan and has influenced some of the world’s best players and coaches with his thinking.To the shock of many, England stars Harry Kane, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon all love chess.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool legend Mo Salah has called himself “addicted” to the game and has namechecked Carlsen as the man he most wants pit his wits against.The Norwegian has already demolished Alexander-Arnold in 17 moves and he has wiped the floor with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.This huge love for chess may come as a surprise – but there is method to the madness.Guardiola studied the genius of Carlsen after leaving Barcelona in 2012 and says it helped him become a better tactician.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said via the book Pep Confidential: “You have no idea how similar the two things are.”There was one thing Carlsen said that I loved. He said that it doesn’t matter if he has to make some sacrifices at the start of the game because he knows he is strongest in the latter stages. Eight bizarre football rules you may not know”It got me thinking and I must learn how I can apply it to football.”Carlsen and Guardiola previously did an interview together with Puma, in which the grandmaster said: “In chess and football, the important thing is to control the middle. “If you control the middle, you control the pitch or the board. “Another thing is that in chess, you attack on one side, so you overload, and then you switch so you have an advantage on the other side. In terms of space, it’s remarkably similar.”Maresca wrote a tactical thesis long before he was Chelsea’s boss and compared much of his thinking to chess.He explained: “A coach can only benefit from acquiring the mind of a good chess player. I concluded that playing chess can train the mind of a coach. “The fundamental element of chess is the logic that leads a player to understand and thus predict the opponents’ moves.”The chess board is like a football pitch that can be divided into three channels — a central one and two external ones. “In football, as in chess, an inside game can be more interesting as it is the quickest and most direct towards goal or the king.”For now, Carlsen is focused on winning the upcoming Global Chess League, which would pocket his team $1million.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he has his eyes also set on playing against Salah, telling The Observer: “I’ve not met him yet but I would certainly love to – as well as other sports people who I admire who play chess.”Odegaard plays a little bit. He was playing a lot for a while and then not so much. He’s not a bad player, but he’s kind of private about it.” More

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      England add two players to Nations League squad as Lee Carsley calls up star with one Premier League start this season

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      ENGLAND have called up Curtis Jones and Tino Livramento for games against Greece and Finland.The pair are both uncapped at senior level but played under Lee Carsley for England Under-21s.Jones and Livramento have represented England at Under-21 levelCredit: GettyLee Carsley has managed the pair in the pastCredit: AlamyJones, 23, was first called up earlier this year and he returns to the squad despite making just one Prem start this season.A muscle injury kept him sidelined for the start of the campaign, but he returned at the weekend for Liverpool as they visited Crystal Palace.And England boss Lee Carsley is already well aware of what he offers, having managed the youngster with England U21s.Jones scored the winner for England in the final of the 2023 U21 Euros and he could be set to win his first cap at Wembley against Greece.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLivramento, 21, will be hoping for the same after missing out on a cap when he was called up to the squad for the first time last month.The full-back has been a regular for Newcastle this season and his ability to play on the right or left flank means he could be a spot in Carsley’s team.England do not have a recognised left-back in their 23-man squad, though Levi Colwill or Rico Lewis could fill in if Livramento is overlooked.Ezri Konsa could have been an option but he has pulled out of the squad due to injury.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe is joined on the treatment table by Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Gibbs-White.While Jack Grealish has a knock and Harry Kane is undergoing an individualised training programme – but both could featured over the weekend.‘I’d hate to be Liverpool right now’, say fans after seeing what Bellingham did for Alexander-Arnold on England duty More

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      Man City targeting Premier League flop to take over as sporting director after Txiki Begiristain bombshell

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      MANCHESTER CITY have allegedly earmarked former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana as a potential replacement for outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain.Sporting director Begiristain will step down from his position at the end of the season.Man City chief Txiki Begiristain is set to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: PAFormer Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana is believed to be in the frame for the jobCredit: EPAViana spent four years at St James’ ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationSunSport revealed this week that he will play a key role in identifying and appointing his replacement.Begiristain aims to have a new man in place by January and will then spend six months helping the new chief settle into their new role.While Begiristain’s successor is yet to be revealed, ex-Newcastle star Viana is believed to be in the frame.The 41-year-old spent four years at St James’ Park as a player following his move from Sporting Lisbon in 2002 and made 61 appearances.Read More in FootballSince retiring, Viana has taken up a senior position in football.He is currently director of football at Sporting Lisbon, having accepted the job in 2018.Manchester United identified him as a potential candidate for the position of chief operating officer at Old Trafford earlier this year.He caught the attention of Sir Jim Ratcliffe by assisting the transfer of Bruno Fernandes in 2020.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut taking over from Begiristain at Man City would be an even harder job.City have won 14 major trophies under the guidance of the Spaniard, including the Champions League and six Prem titles.But they are currently in the midst of a huge legal battle with the Premier League.A hearing is underway into allegations that City broke PL rules more than 100 times in relation to sponsorship deals, player and manager contracts and failure to cooperate with the investigation.City deny all the charges. An initial verdict is expected in the spring, but the saga is unlikely to end there and Begiristain will be gone before everything is resolved.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More